How long, O Lord, must I call for help, but You do not listen? Or cry out to You, “Violence!” but You do not save? Why do You make me look at injustice? Why do You tolerate wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds. Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted. Habakkuk 1:2-4
Habakkuk talked to God and asked Him, “Why?” Violence and lawlessness raged, but God was silent. God seemed to be unconcerned. The news today speaks of our cities being destroyed by violence, lawlessness, and hate as we see stores, restaurants, historic churches and national monuments ruined, looted, and burned to the ground. Where is God in all of this? Where was He in Habakkuk’s day? The answer was clear then and it is clear now. He is beside us through it all, but He is sending us a message, “You do not need to know why, you need to trust.” God is in control. He has a plan and a purpose. When we don’t listen to Him, when we disobey, He will speak with drastic measures. Faith is knowing that all things are permitted by Him for a purpose. Habakkuk concludes with this wonderful hymn of faith which I have written as a poem called Rejoice.
Rejoice When the fig tree does not bud, Your peace blooms in me. When the vines have no grapes, Your fruit I can see. When the olive crop fails, Your love overflows. When the fields produce no food, Your truth feeds my soul. When no sheep are in the pen, You become my shepherd. When no cattle are in the stalls, I’ll trust in your word. I’ll rejoice in you always. Each day starts anew. I’ll rejoice with great joy. Your grace sees me through. Habakkuk 3: 17-18
Why Why is there pain in my life today? Why is there violence and sin? Why do the wicked seem to succeed? And disorder falls among men. Our lives are filled with a lot of whys. We do not understand God’s ways. Yet He is our strength, in Him we trust, And cling to Him all of our days. We choose to trust God in the darkness. He is always our hope and peace. When we determine to live by faith All our whys can then be released. Released to the God who rules above. Every life He has always known. Rejoice in the God of salvation. Forever He reigns on His throne.